Emphasis on Baptism

Emphasis on Baptism

Churches of Christ have a reputation for placing much stress on the need for baptism. However, we do not emphasize baptism as a “church ordinance,” but as a command of Christ. The New Testament teaches baptism as an act which is essential to salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16).

We do not practice infant baptism because New Testament baptism is only for sinners who turn to the Lord in belief and penitence. An infant has no sin to repent of, and cannot qualify as a believer.

The only form of baptism we practice in churches of Christ is immersion. The Greek word from which the word baptize comes means “to dip, to immerse, to plunge.” And the Scriptures always point to baptism as a burial (Acts 8:35-39; Romans 6:3,4; Colossians 2:12).

Baptism is extremely important because the New Testament sets forth the following purposes for it:

1) It is to enter the kingdom (John 3:5)

2) It is to contact Christ’s blood (Romans 6:3,4)

3) It is to get into Christ (Galatians 3:27)

4) It is for salvation (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21)

5) It is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)

6) It is to wash away sins (Acts 2:38)

7) It is to get into the church (1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:23)

Since Christ died for the sins of the whole world and the invitation to share in his saving grace is open to everyone (Acts 10:34,35; Revelation 22:17), we do not believe that anyone is predestined for salvation or condemnation. Some will choose to come to Christ in faith and obedience and will be saved. Others will reject his plea and be condemned (Mark 16:16). These will be not be lost because they were marked for condemnation, but because that’s the path they chose.

Whenever you are at this moment, we hope you will decide to accept the salvation offered by Christ – that you will offer yourself in obedient faith and become a member of his church.

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